Creamy Shrimp and Cheddar Grits with Bacon and Mushrooms
This Creamy Shrimp and Cheddar Grits dish pairs succulent shrimp with rich, cheesy grits, enhanced by the savory flavor of bacon and fresh, sautéed mushrooms. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a weekend brunch, it's a delicious Southern-inspired one-dish meal that brings together comforting textures and bold flavors, making it a beloved recipe for gatherings or family dinners. Treat your loved ones to a plate of this decadent dish that is sure to impress!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Water
6 cups (none)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Quick-cooking grits
2 cups (none)
Sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup (grated)
Ground nutmeg
1 pinch (none)
Tabasco sauce
to taste (none)
Bacon
12 slices (coarsely chopped)
Large raw shrimp
2 lbs (peeled and deveined)
Mushroom
1/2 lb (sliced)
Green onions
2 cups (sliced)
Garlic cloves
2 large (minced)
Fresh lemon juice
2 1/2 tablespoons (none)
Fresh parsley
1/4 cup (chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large, heavy saucepan, bring 6 cups of water and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to a rolling boil.
2
Once boiling, gradually whisk in the quick-cooking grits. Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the grits have thickened and become tender.
3
Stir in 1 cup of grated sharp cheddar cheese and a pinch of ground nutmeg into the cooked grits. Add Tabasco sauce to your preferred level of spiciness. Cover and set the grits aside to keep warm.
4
In a large skillet, cook the coarsely chopped bacon over medium heat until it’s brown but not crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a bowl, leaving the drippings in the skillet. Carefully pour off half of the drippings.
5
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet, cooking for about 2 minutes on each side or until they turn pink. Once done, transfer the shrimp to a plate using a slotted spoon.
6
In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for about 4 minutes until they are tender.
7
Add the sliced green onions and minced garlic to the mushrooms, cooking for an additional 3 minutes until fragrant.
8
Return the cooked shrimp and bacon back to the skillet. Mix in 2 1/2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and season with salt, pepper, and additional hot pepper sauce to taste.
9
If the grits have thickened too much, bring them back to a simmer on low heat, adding water by the tablespoon until they reach the desired consistency.
10
To serve, spoon a generous portion of the cheesy grits onto each plate. Top with the shrimp and bacon mixture, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately for maximum flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary ingredients in Creamy Shrimp and Cheddar Grits with Bacon and Mushrooms?
The main ingredients include large raw shrimp, quick-cooking grits, sharp cheddar cheese, bacon, mushrooms, and green onions.
How much water is required to cook the grits?
You will need 6 cups of water to cook the 2 cups of quick-cooking grits.
How long should the grits simmer?
The grits should simmer for approximately 10 minutes until they are thickened and tender.
What type of cheese is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of grated sharp cheddar cheese.
How is the bacon prepared for this dish?
The bacon should be coarsely chopped and cooked until brown but not crispy.
What should I do with the bacon drippings?
You should leave the drippings in the skillet after cooking the bacon, but pour off half of them before cooking the shrimp.
How long does the shrimp take to cook?
The shrimp should be cooked for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink.
How do I prepare the shrimp before cooking?
The 2 lbs of large raw shrimp should be peeled and deveined.
How long should the mushrooms be sautéed?
The sliced mushrooms should be sautéed for about 4 minutes until they are tender.
When do I add the garlic and green onions?
Add the sliced green onions and minced garlic to the mushrooms and cook for an additional 3 minutes until fragrant.
What seasonings are used in the grits?
The grits are seasoned with salt, a pinch of ground nutmeg, and Tabasco sauce.
How much lemon juice is added to the shrimp mixture?
The recipe requires 2 1/2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice.
What should I do if the grits become too thick?
Bring them back to a simmer on low heat and add water by the tablespoon until the desired consistency is reached.
How is this dish garnished?
The dish is garnished with 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley.
What is the flavor profile of this recipe?
It is a Southern-inspired dish that combines rich, cheesy textures with savory bacon, earthy mushrooms, and succulent shrimp.
Is this dish suitable for brunch?
Yes, it is described as perfect for a cozy dinner or a weekend brunch.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 large minced garlic cloves.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?
Yes, you can add Tabasco sauce to the grits and additional hot pepper sauce to the shrimp mixture to reach your preferred spice level.
What amount of mushrooms is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 lb of sliced mushrooms.
How should the dish be assembled for serving?
Spoon a generous portion of cheesy grits onto a plate, top with the shrimp and bacon mixture, and sprinkle with parsley.
What kind of grits are used?
The recipe specifically calls for quick-cooking grits.
Should the shrimp be cooked in the same pan as the bacon?
Yes, the shrimp are cooked in the same skillet using the bacon drippings for extra flavor.
How many slices of bacon are needed?
You will need 12 slices of bacon.
What measurement of green onions is used?
The recipe uses 2 cups of sliced green onions.
Is the nutmeg a required ingredient?
The recipe suggests a pinch of ground nutmeg to enhance the flavor of the grits.
What temperature should the grits be kept at while cooking the shrimp?
The grits should be covered and set aside to keep warm while you prepare the topping.
What tools are recommended for transferring the shrimp and bacon?
A slotted spoon is recommended to transfer both the bacon and the shrimp while leaving liquids in the skillet.
How much salt is added to the grit water initially?
The recipe starts with 1/2 teaspoon of salt in the boiling water.
Does this recipe include any fresh herbs?
Yes, it uses fresh parsley and fresh lemon juice.
When should the dish be served?
It should be served immediately for maximum flavor.